Bulbar and pseudobulbar palsy

Both conditions result in difficulties with facial movements, chewing, swallowing and speaking.

 

Etymology

The bulb is a former name for the medulla oblongata. The bulbar nerves are cranial nerves which arise from the caudal end of the brain, near the medulla oblongata.

 

Bulbar palsy

Bulbar palsy is a flaccid paralysis of the muscles supplied by cranial nerves IX X and XII.
It is caused by a lower motor neuron lesion.

Signs

• Flaccid tongue

 

Pseudobulbar palsy

Pseudobulbar palsy is a spastic paralysis of the muscles supplied by cranial nerves IX X and XII. It is caused by a lesion in the corticobulbar tract.
This is an upper motor neuron lesion.

Signs

• Fasciculating tongue

Causes

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis - bulbar and pseudobulbar palsy